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No one can deny that an Italian meal is a truly sensory experience. When you sit down to an Italian meal, the traditional first course is “antipasto” (plural: antipasti). The term is derived from Latin “ante” (before) and “pastus” (meal, pasture).
Artfully conceived, antipasto presentations are generally colorful and boast many diverse items, to get people excited for the meal. Whether you are hungry or not, the antipasto is meant to get your appetite going and prepare your taste buds for more. The antipasto course is not meant to be too filling, while still engaging all of your senses.
The history of antipasto is rooted in medieval Italy. Sweet and savory finger-foods such as sugared nuts and sliced ham got diners in the mood for a meal. With the evolution of Italian cuisine, antipasto has taken on the form of many new dishes. But the aim of antipasto is the same: to get you ready for the many courses to follow in a traditional Italian meal.
Flavors of Antipasto
According to The Oxford Companion to Italian Food, “The aim is to excite rather than fill diners, who will then be inspired to choose yet more delicacies from the menu.”
The combination of flavors in an antipasto engages all aspects of our taste, from sweet to salty to sour to bitter to umami. In addition, there are many textures present in an antipasto presentation.
Sweet elements of antipasto may include sugared nuts with a crunch, or the sweetness of a pickled sweet onion or pepper, or a light seasonal fruit. Dry cured meats, briny olives, and cheeses provide the salty and umami elements. Broccoli rabe or zucchini bring the bitter. Pickled or marinated vegetables such as artichoke, mushroom, or pepperoncini add mellow sour bite.
Depending on the region in Italy, there are many different options for antipasto.
Northern Italy Antipasto
With its proximity to the Alps stretching down to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, Northern Italian cuisine showcases creamier foods from dairy rich regions and a bounty of fresh herb and oil from the more southern parts. Northern Italian antipasti reflect the diversity of Northern cuisine. You may see antipasti such as fresh mozzarella and basil pesto, polenta fritta, tuna and cannellini bean salad, fresh fennel, balsamic onions, fresh figs, olive tapenade, prosciutto di parma, and mortadella.
Central Italy Antipasto
The central region of Italy is known for its rich sauces, olive oil, and famous cheeses. Tuscany, the namesake for Cucina Toscana, is located in the central region and boasts a colorful cuisine of land and sea. Here at Cucina Toscana, our Tuscany-inspired antipasti include dishes such as burrata and roasted tomato, caprese salad with prosciutto (tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella), smoked salmon and fennel, sautéed seafood, eggplant, and a platter of assorted meats and cheese which include prosciutto, salami, gorgonzola, and fontina.
Southern Italy Antipasto
The south of Italy features bold flavors of tomatoes and herbs, with creamy cheeses and seafood. Southern Italian antipasti dishes capture the fresh combination of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll find dishes such as romano cheese, garlic and pepper antipasto, black olive tapenade, escarole, flat fillet anchovies, sweet and hot soppressata, castelvetrano olives, ricotta salad, artichokes, and roasted pepper bruschetta.
Has all this talk of antipasto whetted your appetite? Visit us at Cucina Toscana to get your meal started!
JOIN US FOR THE FINEST ITALIAN FOOD (AND WINE) IN SALT LAKE CITY
CUCINA TOSCANA
282 S 300 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101
PHONE: (801) 328-3463
FAQs
When you sit down to an Italian meal, the traditional first course is “antipasto” (plural: antipasti). The term is derived from Latin “ante” (before) and “pastus” (meal, pasture). Artfully conceived, antipasto presentations are generally colorful and boast many diverse items, to get people excited for the meal.
What is the literal translation of antipasti? ›
Literally, the word “antipasto” is derived from the Latin root “anti” meaning “before” and “pastus,” which means “meal.” Thus, the antipasto course simply refers to the dish that precedes all others.
Why is antipasto not antipasto? ›
The correct spelling is “antipasto” and you correctly note that “anti” means against, and since “pasto” means meal, then “antipasto” would literally mean “against the meal”.
What are antipasti in Italy? ›
If you're referring to a single appetizer, like a piece of cheese or bread, call it an antipasto. If you're referring to the whole platter or multiple appetizers, call it antipasti.
What's the difference between charcuterie and antipasti? ›
Focus: Antipasto is a platter that contains a combination of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and other complementary items, whereas charcuterie is primarily focused on cured meats. Origin: Antipasto originated in Italy, while charcuterie is a French term.
What is the English equivalent of antipasto? ›
In the US, antipasto is thought of as an hors d'oeuvre or an appetizer. The word itself, antipasto, means "before the meal," from the roots anti-, "before," and pasto, "food." The plural of antipasto is antipasti. "Antipasto." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/antipasto.
Are antipasti healthy? ›
The short answer is that it depends on the makeup of it. If you choose to have antipasto that relies heavily on cheese, for example, it probably isn't going to be the healthiest! Antipasto dishes like the caprese and those that use a good amount of vegetables can also be healthy.
When should I eat antipasti? ›
But as we noted above, the pasti here connects back to a much older Latin word, pastum, which roughly means “nourishment.” You're not totally wrong, though; antipasti are eaten before the first course, which in Italian restaurants is usually a pasta dish!
What is the English word for antipasti? ›
Many compare antipasto to hors d'oeuvre, but antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of the Italian meal. It may also be referred to as a starter, or an appetizer.
What does primi mean in Italian? ›
Primi: Primi, or “first dishes,” usually include pasta, risotto (creamy rice) or soup.
Translation of "Antipasti" in French. Antipasti is an assortment of starters, served in small quantities, varying from one region to the next. Les antipasti sont un assortiment d'entrées, servies en petite quantité et variant d'une région à l'autre.
Is prosciutto an antipasto? ›
Antipasto is traditionally the first course of an Italian meal, but why not turn it into the main event. We use a winning combination of Mediterranean ingredients like prosciutto, mozzarella, and olives served over arugula. A quick-to-make vinaigrette and homemade croutons (bonus, there's minimal prep!)
What do Italian people eat after the antipasto? ›
After antipasto, you might opt to have either only a primo or only a secondo instead of both. Often, one dish of pasta suffices at dinnertime. Or you might have a chicken cutlet or pork chop. A piece of swordfish or salmon are other common options.
What's the difference between antipasto and antipasti? ›
Antipasto, or antipasti (plural), is a selection of Italian appetisers. In Italian cuisine, every meal is traditionally preceded by an antipasti plate. This is served in order to excite diners and prepare their appetites for the meal ahead.
What is the difference between primi and antipasta? ›
Primi is the first course to contain hot food and is often heavier than antipasti dishes. Generally, primi dishes do not consist of any meat. At the same time, primi dishes may contain fine and luxurious ingredients, such as truffle or seafood.
What do you mean by antipasto? ›
antipasto, in Italian cuisine, a first course or appetizer.
Do you say antipasto or antipasti? ›
"Antipasto" is singular, "antipasti" is plural. The word "antipasto" can indicate the course of a meal (in which case only the singular is used) or the dish itself, in which case you can have one "antipasto" or several "antipasti".
Does antipasti mean appetizers? ›
Antipasto, or antipasti (plural), is a selection of Italian appetisers. In Italian cuisine, every meal is traditionally preceded by an antipasti plate. This is served in order to excite diners and prepare their appetites for the meal ahead.
